Apparently this is a standard procedure all paramedics follow at the scene of an accident when they come across your cell phone: ICE – ‘In Case of Emergency’.
We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.
If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn’t know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this ‘ICE’ (In Case of Emergency) Campaign. The concept of ‘ICE’ is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell (mobile) phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name ‘ICE’ (In Case Of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn’t know which number to call. He, therefore, thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as ‘ICE.’
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference! Let’s spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today! Please forward this. It won’t take too many ‘forwards’ before everybody will know about this, and we all have email even if we don’t have a cell phone. It really could save your life, or put a loved one’s mind at rest. ICE will speak for you when you are not able to.
As an OLD Nationally Registered EMT we offer this suggestion as well: Identify your ICE selections with ICE daughter, ICE son or maybe ICE Dr.
Happy Camping,
Fred B
rv101byfred.com
Casey Donovan
Another possible way to contact someone of significance on someone’s cell phone is simply to press “2”. If the person has any speed dial numbers programmed, the one they call most often is likely to be on that digit. (“1” on many phones calls Voicemail, or maybe “911”.)
Bill
Some states (such as Florida) allow residents to add emergency contact numbers to their driver’s license file. Note, this is not on the license itself, but filed with the State and available to LE officers
Tony Bond
I try to think of everything that I can cause we travel a lot .
I never thought to use “ICE” by the important contact numbers in an emergency
situation.
Thank you for this.
Tony
Tony Cornett
One thing here folks after reading as comment. Do NOT store credit card or other personal info on your phone! Lose your phone, lose your money and ID!
ICE is/was designed for the purpose of emergency contacts only. Some have added pertinent info regarding to meds and allergies, that’s it.
Jim is correct in that the info is designed for law enforcement and medical staff and can be invaluable. Keep the info limited and no things like SSAN and other Identity stuff. keep it with just the basics for what ICE was designed.
Tony
http://www.thefiredude.com
Sherm
My wife and I have had our “ICE” instructions marked on the back of our cell phones for more than 3 years. Our daughter is the Clinical Director of Nursing at a well-known hospital in the Mayo System, and she recommended that we do that—that we put an emergency number on the backs of our phones, which we did forthwith!
James Imholte
As an active Paramedic, may I say that it is not our job to look for and look through peoples cell phones. We leave this up to the police and/or the emergency room staff. Are job is to treat the injuried, not make phone calls.
JIM
Another good idea,
I never thought of this…….
This lady has changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet… etc… was stolen.
20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says ” I received your text asking about our Pin number and I’ve replied a little while ago.”
When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text “hubby” in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.
Moral of the lesson: Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc…. And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back. Also, when you’re being text by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don’t reach them, be very careful about going places to meet “family and friends” who text you.
bob
I like that, and would suggest, as well, carrying numbers of credit cards, banks, etc. in case you loose any.
Jim Wilson
Fred:
We have been using the I.C.E. on our phones for sometime now. Another number we have added is 1 877 367- 5982. In Ky, on the Interstates we have vehicles traveling to help stranded motorist. This is their number. I don’t know if other states have this service or not. Jim
Ellen F
“Home” as a contact works just as well.
Tony Cornett
Thanks Fred! As a Fire Captain/Paramedic and a 33 year career I can without hesitation say how valuable this can be to us and YOU in the field!
Tony
http://www.thefiredude.com
Neal Lachance
Great idea, Thanks